Park Contact Information

Joshua Tree National Park74485 National Park Dr., 29 Palms, CA 92277

Info at (760) 367-5500Fax to (760) 367-6392

Park Creation Timeline

1936

Minerva Hoyt, a resident of Pasadena, was concerned about the removal of cacti and other plants to the gardens of Los Angeles. Her efforts to protect this area lead to 825,000 acres being set aside as Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936

1994

As part of the Desert Protection Bill, Joshua Tree National Monument is elevated to national park status on October 31, 1994. The bill also added 234,000 acres. This same act also elevated Death Valley National Park to its current size and status.

Animals and Plants

Common large mammals include mule deer, bighorn sheep, bobcats, coyotes, and foxes. Most mammals are small, due to the heat and lack of water, and include 24 species of small rodents. Several species of gophers, mice, and squirrels lead the way, along with cottontails and jackrabbits. 12 species of bats are also in the area. The NPS has prepared a checklist of park mammals.

The reptiles of the park include 18 lizards and 25 snakes, 4 of which are rattlesnakes. The California Desert Tortoise is also present, and is a threatened species. The NPS has prepared a checklist of park reptiles. Amphibians include the California tree frog and 2 species of toads.

There are over 250 species observed in the park. Most of these are migrants, so the winter months are generally the best viewing times.

There are 813 known varieties of vascular plants in the park. Trees include California juniper, singleleaf pinyon, desert willow, California fan palm (in oases) and of course Joshua trees. Creosote, Mormon tea, cheatgrass, and cholla cactus are some of the more often seen smaller plants.